Family Reunion Cruise -- Roundtrip Keelung, Taiwan on Diamond Princess
November 12~14, 2018
To celebrate MOR's dad 90th birthday, we planned an 8-day cruise round-trip Keelung Port in Taiwan so he wouldn't have to take any flights to fulfill his wish of cruising again. We booked eight cabins with a total of 16 people going on this trip, including all of MOR's siblings. This turned into one memorable celebration at sea.
The prices on these cruises sailing out of Taiwan seem to be more expensive probably because most cabins are booked by the Taiwanese travel agencies in quantities. They then sell these cabins as packages for more to make good profit. The three of us had to fly over there but our family members in Taiwan saved on plane tickets so it was all good!
Itinerary:
November 14~17 Stay with family in Chiayi
November 18 - Boarding Diamond Princess, Keelung, Taiwan
November 19 - At Sea
November 20 - At Sea
November 21 - Yokohama, Japan
November 22 - Nagoya, Japan
November 23 - Osaka, Japan
November 24 - At Sea
November 25 - Okinawa, Japan
November 26 - Disembark at Keelung, Taiwan
November 27~29 - Taipei
With Ontario Airport so close to home, we figured we should try taking the flight out from there instead of fighting traffic to LAX. China Airlines started their daily services from Ontario a few months back and the hours leaving ONT and arriving TPE fitted us perfectly. We would leave at around 10:30 PM and arriving TPE early in the morning at 5:20 AM, just in time for the first train out for the day.
It took us about 20 minutes to drive from home to ONT, quick and easy. After checking in at the China Airlines counter, we headed upstairs for security check. The line was definitely shorter than LAX but the process and the wait was ridiculously slow. I guess the TSA staff had much time in their hands that they really checked every inch of the passengers. The pat down was making me really uncomfortable even though it was done by a female employee. I was not a happy camper and did fill out the comment card stocked at the kiosk. I have never had that experience at LAX which caused me to wonder if I want to fly out here in the future again.
We walked past a teeny tiny lounge area where I suppose they put their First Class and Business Class passengers at but I saw a sign that says new lounges will be coming soon. So, there's hope!
Near the boarding gate
Boarding was orderly but with more than 20 passengers in wheelchairs. I am sure many of those were taking advantage of the free service so they can get ahead with special assistance, especially during transit. While on the flight later on, I notice the woman sitting behind me was also one of those passengers in wheelchair. She was up and about more times than I was during the flight.
We had the middle three seats which worked out great for us!
First meal. Not bad but really nothing to write home about.
2nd meal, a breakfast before landing.
Arrived at Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei. We had to wait a long time for our bags to come out.
Taking the first train on the subway from the airport to the High Speed Train Station. Very convenient.
High Speed Train Station in Taoyuan.
Getting the tickets for the first train down south to Chiayi.
Inside the high-speed train.
Chiayi, November 14, 2018
After arriving Chiayi, it was still early in the morning so I went to have my hair done right away. Then we took a drive to the fishing port of Budai, where we enjoyed some fresh oysters. This was a weekday, so it was not crowded at all.
Budai Fish Market
Fresh shrimps
Oysters bun, which we have never had before. Very good!
Baby oysters soup
Oyster omelette
Everything was tasty and fresh.
Then we took ChC to the nearby village where the 3-D paintings were showcased. We were here in April and thought ChC would be interested in seeing these.
Chicken Rice in Chiayi
After a restful afternoon, we drove to downtown Chiayi for some famous 'chicken rice' (or turkey rice actually). They were good but we found that they were giving less meat than last time we were here. Maybe I was just imagining but it really did feel less food. Maybe we should try another restaurant next time.
Boiled pork belly
fresh bamboo shoot, wonderful!
Chicken rice now
Chicken rice in April
